Carpenter Career Guide in North Dakota
Explore carpenter salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in North Dakota.
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How to Become a Carpenter in North Dakota
Carpenters may train through state colleges, union apprenticeship, contractor associations, registered apprenticeship, or supervised construction employment.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Carpenter Salary in North Dakota
The salary figure shown on this page represents the North Dakota median wage for carpenter workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $59,310, the median wage in North Dakota is approximately $3,090 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Carpenters in North Dakota
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONCarpenter Training Requirements in North Dakota
Carpenters in North Dakota generally develop their skills through apprenticeship, technical education, or supervised employment.
- Learn residential and commercial framing, concrete forms, roofing, interior systems, finish carpentry, blueprint reading, and layout.
- Complete hands-on training with carpentry tools, power equipment, scaffolds, lifts, and fall-protection systems.
- Study building codes, construction mathematics, estimating, insulation, moisture control, and cold-climate construction.
- Complete OSHA construction safety and employer-required equipment instruction.
- Obtain the appropriate state contractor license and local permits before contracting independently.
Carpenter Training Providers in North Dakota
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota State College of Science | Wahpeton | View Program |
| Bismarck State College | Bismarck | View Program |
| Lake Region State College | Devils Lake | View Program |
| Williston State College | Williston | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESCarpenter Apprenticeship Programs in North Dakota
Carpenter Apprenticeship
Organization: North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters
Construction Apprenticeship Training
Organization: ABC Minnesota/North Dakota Chapter
Carpenter Licensing Requirements in North Dakota
North Dakota does not license employee carpenters. Contractors must obtain a state contractor license when project values meet the statutory threshold. Cities may impose additional contractor licensing and permit requirements.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSCarpenter Job Outlook in North Dakota
North Dakota’s latest long-term projection indicates approximately 8% carpenter employment growth and about 360 annual openings during the 2022–2032 period.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the carpenter salary in North Dakota?
The statewide median wage for carpenters in North Dakota is approximately $62,400 per year, or $30.00 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does North Dakota require carpenter licensing?
Yes. North Dakota requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt carpenter work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing.
How long does it take to become a carpenter in North Dakota?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately Varies by Program, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are carpenters in demand in North Dakota?
North Dakota projects carpenter employment to grow by approximately 8% from 2022 to 2032, with about 360 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- North Dakota Wages for Carpenter (SOC 47-2031) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Carpenter Wages
- North Dakota Carpenter Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. North Dakota Carpenter Employment Trends
- North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing — Licensing authority. North Dakota Secretary of State — Contractor Licensing